Thrangu Rinpoche discusses the four common foundations, which are the four thoughts to contemplate before beginning any spiritual practice. The first foundation, precious human birth, explains in detail why practice is important. The second foundation, impermanence, teaches us to find something meaningful in life. The most difficult to understand foundation, karma, is lucidly explained by Thrangu Rinpoche. Because of karma, we can determine if we will have a fortunate or unfortunate future. Then, after we have practiced, we must return to conventional reality (samsara) and so the fourth reminder is a review of the characteristics of samsara. This book also includes Kema Karpo's excellent survey of the points of meditation and practice to round out the four foundations.
Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice, Thrangu Rinpoche, Namo Buddha Publications, Paperback, 118 pp., $12.95
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche is a renowned Tibetan Buddhist master known for his deep compassion and the clarity of his teachings. He was selected by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to serve as the principal tutor to His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje.
Thrangu Rinpoche is a full holder and teacher of the Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. He founded the Namo Buddha retreat center in Nepal, has established two shedras (monastic universities) in Nepal and India, and serves as Abbot of Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. He also built Tara Abbey, where nuns receive a full dharma education qualifying them to become khenpos or teachers. Thrangu Rinpoche teaches extensively throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. He has centers in Maine and California, and is building the Vajra Vidya Retreat Center in Crestone, Colorado.
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CONTENTS: The Four Foundations of Buddhist Practice
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| Foreword |
1
|
| 1. |
The Precious Human Existence |
5
|
| 2. |
Impermanence |
29 |
| 3. |
Karma |
39 |
| 4. |
The Faults of Samsara |
57 |
| 5. |
Summary of the Four Foundations |
65 |
| 6. |
Pema Karpo's Meditation Instructions |
69 |
| Notes |
85 |
| The Glossary |
89
|
| The Glossary of Tibetan Terms |
97 |
| Annotated Bibliography |
99 |
| Index |
103 |
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